A KIDDERMINSTER man is getting on his bike to take part in four cycling challenges to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Steven Cuthbertson’s challenges will culminate in 24-hour team relay at the Worcester Relay for Life event.

He decided to raise money for charity as a number of his family members have been affected by the disease.

“Our families seem to be plagued by the big C at the moment and even I was diagnosed with the pre-cancerous condition Barrett's Oesophagus, some years ago now,” the 48-year-old said.

“Fortunately mine was caught early enough and is being kept under control now.

“My dad hasn't been so lucky and he's been fighting terminal Oesophagal cancer for the last couple of years and we're not sure how long he has but his strength and determination to ignore the condition and continue as if nothing happened is inspirational.”

Mr Cuthbertson’s first challenge was to ride from Kidderminster to Yorkshire for the start of the Tour de France in Leeds.

He then cycled the route of the first two stages of the tour, before heading back home again - a four-day round-trip distance of 370 miles.

For his second challenge at the end of the month, Mr Cuthbertson will be cycling from Kidderminster to Paris to see the final stage of the Tour de France, a total distance of about 760 miles, including the ferry crossing.

At the end of August Mr Cuthbertson will start his third challenge, when he will cycle the length of the UK, from Land's End to John O'Groats, with the distance totalling 950 miles.

Mr Cuthbertson said: “Since last year, when my cousin Andrew rode from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of Cancer Research UK, I've been toying with the idea of do the same.

“My preparation has gone well so far but I am bit concerned about all the miles I’ll be covering over the next few months.”

To finish his fundraising efforts Mr Cuthbertson will join a team of his friends, family and colleagues to take part in the Worcester Relay for Life event.

The 24-hour event takes place on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 at RGS The Grange, Claines, starting at noon, where team members will take it in turns to walk around the track.

You can follow his progress on facebook by visiting facebook.com/sillysummerofcycling.